Tang Hao's forging hammer lightly nudged, causing Tang San to retreat a few steps. Simultaneously, his hammer flipped back into position. With a low shout, he half-twisted his body, his feet firmly planted on the ground. The muscles in his exposed lower legs beneath tattered trousers tensed instantly; his whole body was like a tiger ready to pounce. As his legs powered up and his waist spun back, the hammer was drawn back invisibly, and with a thunderous clang, it heavily struck the red-hot iron.
Tang San could entirely feel that this was merely the process of a human exerting force. Tang Hao had no Inner Strength, nor was there any release of Soul Power. This was purely physical strength. Yet, the iron block, which was previously glowing red, was smashed down by nearly a third, deforming significantly.
"With the strength of your lower legs, connect all your body's strength into a whole, which is to exert full force." Tang Hao handed the hammer back to Tang San, "Your turn."
"Okay." Tang San had never considered that forging could have such an entry point. This method of exerting force was not as simple as use in forging alone. It could also be applied in his own Martial arts of the Tang Sect.
Holding the handle with both hands, Tang San imitated Tang Hao's previous posture, staring intently at that red-hot iron block. The Mysterious Heaven Method slowly revolved, deeply into his lower legs, his feet tightly gripping the ground.
With a loud shout, Tang San's leg strength and the power of the Mysterious Heaven Method were exerted simultaneously. The power burst from his lower legs, spreading instantly. His waist turned, driving his back, to his shoulders, and then to his arms. He clearly felt an unprecedented surge of power within him, starting with the explosion from his lower legs to the swinging of the hammer, as if his body was about to be lifted off the ground by this formidable force.
Clang—, the hammer struck accurately on the iron block, emitting a loud noise.
The momentum of the hammer swing caused Tang San's entire body to lift off the ground, and he staggered forward a step. The hammer rebounded, and although his Mysterious Jade Hands protected his hands from harm, his arms were numbed by the reverberating force. Thankfully, the Mysterious Heaven Method promptly circulated, gradually easing the numbing sensation.
The result was evident. Although Tang San's effect with the hammer was not as pronounced as Tang Hao's due to his age, plus the use of the Mysterious Heaven Method, it was equivalent to many dozens of his previous strikes.
Watching Tang San's movements, Tang Hao did not offer any evaluation, but the flash of surprise in his eyes suggested Tang San had performed better than he had anticipated. Tang Hao hadn't expected Tang San to master this method of exerting force so quickly.
How could he know that Tang San had been diligently practicing the Martial arts of the Tang Sect? Not only did he have the foundation of the Mysterious Heaven Method, but the abilities of Controlling Crane Capturing Dragon, Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, and Mysterious Jade Hands also significantly enhanced his coordination beyond his peers. Coupled with his good comprehension ability, mastering this exertion technique came naturally to him. Of course, since this was his first attempt, his execution was far from perfect.
"Dad, did I do it right?"
Tang Hao nodded slowly, "Do you understand the role of the heart? The calf muscle is the most used muscle in the human body; it's the source of all strength. Harness the power of the calves well and your physical strength will greatly increase."
Saying this, Tang Hao sat next to the bellows and pulled out a device made of raw iron from beneath. It resembled two foot pedals, which he connected to the bottom of the bellows. Holding onto the bellows, he said, "In forging, the role of the bellows is also very important. Fully burned metal can be better forged as it becomes more malleable. And any metal, no matter how impure it is, has a soul. If the temperature is insufficient and excessive force during forging causes it to break, then even if it is melted and reforged, that metal will only be scrap. Therefore, when you strike the iron block with full force, you must maintain its temperature. Pulling the bellows, one also uses the power of the lower legs. Not only does it minimize the consumption of energy, but it also maximizes the effectiveness of the bellows."
He vigorously pushed the two foot pedals, starting with the legs, his body quickly recoiled backwards, naturally leading the bellows handles apart with his arms, then bending his legs to push the handles back. In the cycle of push and pull, the bellows ran at full capacity. Tang Hao's movements did not seem fast, but each motion maximized the bellows' capacity. Under the guidance of the calf muscles, the body and bellows established a special rhythm. Flames suddenly soared from the furnace, heating the iron block to a glow.
"You take over the bellows, mimic my movements just now." Tang Hao gave up his position to Tang San.
With his previous experience swinging the hammer and careful observation, Tang San quickly mastered the technique of operating the bellows, sitting in Tang Hao's previous spot. Though still somewhat clumsy, under his careful attention, each exertion of force began with the calves. Indeed, as Tang Hao had said, not only was there a significant saving in strength, but the effect was also many times better than before.
Holding Tang San's forging hammer, Tang Hao said indifferently, "Swinging the hammer with all your strength can allow you to fully exert your power. However, the rebound force of such a blow can also create a significant burden on oneself. Without appropriate methods to guide it, it's easy to injure oneself and lose part of the force that should act on the metal. Pay close attention to my next movements. They will be key to whether you can forge this block of iron down to the size of a fist in a short time."
Taking a deep breath, Tang Hao's eyes became focused. With Tang San operating the bellows, the entire iron block was heated to a glow. The scorching flames rose, making the room exceedingly hot.